Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

change of scenery

American  
[cheynj uhv see-nuh-ree] / ˈtʃeɪndʒ əv ˈsi nə ri /

noun

  1. a shift, usually temporary, from one’s ordinary surroundings to somewhere desirably different, as a shift from one’s daily routine in an office to a week’s vacation at the seashore.

    He’s been fly fishing every weekend since his doctor told him he needs a change of scenery.


Etymology

Origin of change of scenery

First recorded in 1740–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Shortly after the latest separation, Ballerini—who had been living in Nashville, Tenn., at the time—chose to relocate for a change of scenery.

From MarketWatch May 21, 2026

This 95-year-old photographer was inspired to make art again by a change of scenery and a request.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 29, 2026

In a follow-up Zoom call from his home in Amsterdam, he confides that he almost felt like giving up, but figured maybe a change of scenery was what he needed.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 30, 2026

“I needed a change of scenery, but something still involved with cooking, and it definitely made me a better cook,” she said.

From Salon Sep. 4, 2025

We never hang out downtown, and maybe it’s a good night for a change of scenery.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training